Page 105 of Avery's Hero

Linc nods. “Yep, that’s when he and one of his buddies jumped me in the hallway. That was the second suspension.”

My brow rises as I eye him. “Followed by the arrest.”

Gunnar speaks up, he’s been getting up to speed on bits and pieces but this is probably the first time he’s heard it all. “How was the antique shop a part of all of this?”

“It was my favorite place to spend time. Besides the bookstore. I love all of the old things there.” Her eyes drift to the floor. “I loved them, past tense that is, since it burned. All of those antique things have stories and they just fascinated me.”

Martin leans forward and grips his coffee cup tighter in his hands. “The kid really lost it when he realized that Avery was tied to Brock and Lincoln. That day at the warehouse when you thought you were being watched, it was him. He told me that he saw the two of you leave. That’s when he started to stalk you. We all know how that ended—with him setting the garage on fire to lure Avery in.”

There’s a pressure valve inside of my head that’s dangerously close to popping. My jaw hurts from clenching it so hard. Avery must feel the air around me heating up. She’s sitting on the floor near my chair and moves over to lean against my knee, “Easy there, no need to go all grizzly bear on us.”

Drawing in a tight breath, I put my hand on her shoulder. She’s okay. “I’m just thankful as hell all of this is behind us.”

“Me too,” echo a few voices.

Martin shifts and relaxes back in his seat. “Thomas is at the regional mental health lock-up. He was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, but the school didn’t know. By the way, I wouldn’t be telling you this if his father hadn’t revealed that in an interview with the news.”

Avery shivers. “It’s a shame the family didn’t make sure he got the care he needed. But thankfully, no one was injured and he’s getting that help now. It will take some time to rebuild the businesses, but I think Lynn’s Cove is resilient.

Rose smiles softly as she dries more tears. “I love it here. So does Belle, I just hope I can find more work.”

Martin pulls a business card from his wallet and passes it to her. “We have an opening at the police station in dispatch. It’s a good stable job, and I’ll be happy to put in a good word for you.”

Linc grins and wraps his arm around Belle’s shoulder. “See, I told you it would all work out.”

Avery hops to her feet. “More coffee or food, anyone?” She collects a few mugs and plates and smiles at me. “Did you guys know that Brock made the Cinnamon rolls by hand? I’m not sure if he’s shared that little secret before.”

She gives me a wink. I raise a brow. Little devil. Oh, she’s so getting a spanking for that one. But I’ll wait until we’re home at my house. Which if I have my way, won’t be all that long from now.

Gunnar slaps me on the shoulder. “I have an idea. Since you’re not with the department, anymore, you could open a bakery.”

“Since you’re looking for work, I’ll be sure to hire you for something you hate.

Gunnar’s smile broadens. He looks happier than I’ve ever seen him. “I’ve got some things lined up.”

Avery sticks her head out of the kitchen door. Her radar catching his comment.

Gunnar says, “Reeves there got me an interview with the county legal team. Sounds like they might have an option for me to work as a firefighter on a contract basis. Kind of a trial run. They have a process for giving me an exemption for my record if everything works out.”

Avery sprints out of the kitchen and jumps in her brother’s arms. Over her shoulder, she catches my eye as she whispers, “I’m so happy.” And I know that part of that happiness is because of me.

Inside, I’m a changed man.

Funny what love can do.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Two Weeks Later

Avery passes me a folded beach blanket and the big wicker basket she packed our dinner in. “The guys said they have fire pit fifteen reserved.”

I’m so distracted, I have to ask, “What number did you say?”

She leans up, wraps her arms around my neck, and kisses me on the cheek. “Where’s your brain, sweetheart?That’s the tenth time you’ve asked me to repeat something this weekend.”

“Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind.”

A LOT. She has no idea how much. From the fact that my son is going on his first real date to the fact that we’re about to be surrounded by all of my old work buddies from the fire department. Oh, and the fact that she’s looking too fucking hot in her tight jeans and soft pink sweater. Every man on the beach tonight is gonna be sporting wood from the sight of all her curves.

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